Strawberry Picking at Spicer Orchards in Fenton, Michigan

One item that is always on our summer bucket list is strawberry picking. Not only is it practical because it yields fruit, but it’s a fun excursion to learn where food comes from, and a great way to support local farms.

Plus, let’s be real: California has NOTHING on our Michigan berries 😉 They are sweet and delicious!

One place we love to go is Spicer Orchards. The berries are always beautiful, and it makes for a fantastic day out for little ones. Strawberries are typically in season in mid-to-late June. The season isn’t long, so go while they’re fresh!

How it works at Spicer’s:

Head inside and either get a container or bring your own and have it weighed.

Go back outside and wait for the tractor to pull up.

Hop on the tractor for a 5-minute ride out to the field.

Pick your little heart out.

Head back on the tractor and go inside to weigh your loot and pay.

Enjoy eating donuts, playing in the adorable play area, petting the animals, sampling fudge or sipping wine…Spicer’s truly has something for all!

Easy peasy, right?

TIPS FOR PICKING STRAWBERRIES

GO EARLY. It gets hot and crowded on the weekends and afternoons.

The best berries are usually found in the middle of the plant. Dig in and look under the leaves!

We chant “the redder the better” with the kids so they understand picking green berries is a bad idea. I try to pick with a fellow mom friend or grandma so they can help watch the kids to make sure they don’t accidentally step on the plants.

If you have kids that *need* to hold a container, bring beach pails! Each of my three have their own pail to carry so there’s zero drama over who is holding it.

If you have a baby, wear ’em. Sure, you can cart a stroller on the tractor, but then you will have to leave it at the end of the row. Strawberries are planted close together.

Wear sunscreen and bug spray and apply at home.

With kids, have low expectations. If you want a freezer FULL of berries, go solo. Make it for the kids, but be realistic with how long they can last in the field. Strawberry picking can be tough work in the blazing sun, but it only takes about 15-20 minutes to get a quart.

Pack water. I bring a backpack with a few small snacks and water for everyone…Because someone is guaranteed to be hungry and thirsty while in the field.

Use the bathroom before heading into the field.

Don’t miss out on the cider and donuts after…They’re the best!

Bring quarters if your kids would like to feed the animals. They are very friendly, and will likely charm you into feeding them from the vending machine.

Don’t dress the kids too nicely because between strawberry juice and the playground, they are going to get dirty.